The Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET) of the National Research Council (CNR) on behalf of the
International Union of Soil Science (IUSS), is pleased to invite colleagues from all around the world to participate
in the SUITMA (Soils of Urban, Industrial, Traffic, Mining and Military Areas) 13th international conference, which
will be held in Pisa, Italy, from the 5-9 October 2025, at the CNR (Italian National Research Council) in Pisa.
The conference will focus on “SUITMA from a One Health Perspective”.
Soil is a key component of the water and nutrient cycle, and a major contributor to global carbon sequestration.
Soil also provides habitats for nearly all land plants, as well as a large proportion of terrestrial fauna. Despite its
global importance, it is estimated that one third of global soil is degraded. In anthropized areas, soils undergo
many forms of disturbance: manipulation, compaction, and pollution which impact their quality. However, even
degraded soils have the potential to alleviate environmental problems and play a vital role in supporting
vegetation. Degraded soils of urban areas and other anthropogenic lands merit scientific and professional
attention in order to enhance their ecosystem services and to support nature- based solutions, to tackle the
urgent challenges of climate change, and for the health of all organisms and ecosystems.
Topics:
SUITMAS as sinks and source of pollutants – Keywords: geochemical cycles, urban food production.
SUITMAS to conserve and improve soil quality and biodiversity – Keywords: soil remediation, soil
biology, bioindicators of biological soil quality and functionality, genomics.
SUITMA improvers and ecosystem services – Keywords: waste materials for soil construction,
compost, rubble, mine waste, Technosols.
SUITMA challenges for the future – Keywords: pedology, Anthropocene, war contamination, emerging
contaminants.
We are happy to present the keynote speakers:
Paula Medejon Rodriguez: Soil contamination by trace elements in the food chain: experiences
in different mining and urban scenarios
Christina Siebe: Waste materials as resources for soil construction
Carlos Garcia Izquierdo: Effects of climate change on soil biodiversity
Giacomo Certini: The shocking impact of warfare on the soil
VENUE
The Research Area of Pisa is the largest research area of CNR. It spans over 10 hectares and hosts 13 CNR
Institutes, including a medical centre specializing in cardiology and respiratory medicine. The site also
accommodates university and private companies which share central technical, logistic, communication
technology and security services. Over 1500 people are employed and are involved in research activities related
to the Environment and Green Chemistry, Life Science, and Information and Communication Technology.
Address: CNR Research Area, via G. Moruzzi 1 56124 Pisa, Italy
TIMELINES
Abstract submission deadline- EXTENDED 22 May 2025
Abstract acceptance 16 June 2025
THE REGISTRAT
ION IS OPEN AT www.suitma13.it
Students enrolled in Master, Bachelor’s Degree or PhD -certification must be provided
The fee includes conference participation, social dinner, coffee breaks and lunches during sessions.
The fee includes two abstracts per person.
Confirmation of visits depends on the number of participants.
All information regarding the conference at www.suitma13.it
Contacts suitma13@cnr.it